Fascinating to think how the teams will involvement this. Most of the convo is related to whether or not a pitcher will be allowed to challenge. Consensus seems to be “no” or “rarely at best.”
There might be certain batters that are given more latitude (Juan Soto?).
While principles will help (high leverage spots only) and rules can help (runners on base, certain counts), it feels like it should be a batter by batter call before the plate appearance.
Before Xander’s AB vs the Cubs, he would likely get freedom to challenge any call he thinks is questionable and should be told that as he is waiting in deck.
Expected value of an overturned call has to be a batter by batter calculation during the game AND communicated to batters before every at bat.
Another Masterclass. I feel guilty for not paying for this. Please put up a paywall or something that we can use to support your work
Welcome back, and thanks for getting into the weeds on a topic I've been thinking about quite a bit.
Good to read your analysis again.
Fascinating to think how the teams will involvement this. Most of the convo is related to whether or not a pitcher will be allowed to challenge. Consensus seems to be “no” or “rarely at best.”
There might be certain batters that are given more latitude (Juan Soto?).
While principles will help (high leverage spots only) and rules can help (runners on base, certain counts), it feels like it should be a batter by batter call before the plate appearance.
Before Xander’s AB vs the Cubs, he would likely get freedom to challenge any call he thinks is questionable and should be told that as he is waiting in deck.
Expected value of an overturned call has to be a batter by batter calculation during the game AND communicated to batters before every at bat.
Sadly I think the stats show Campy was one of the worst catchers in AAA at calling challenges in 2025 (as the catcher, not hitter).